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What they’re saying about Texas A&M’s 2014 recruiting class

Arlington Martin's defensive end Myles Garrett, left, is congratulated by his parents Audrey Garrett, center, and Lawrence Garrett, right, after being awarded defensive player of the year,during the SportsDayHS Heroes Banquet on January 16, 2014 at the W Dallas Victory Hotel in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Texas A&M signed 22 players on national signing day and gained much respect by inking a consensus top 5 recruiting class.

With the nation’s top ranked quarterback, receiver and defensive end the Aggie class is highly regarded by many analysts and writers.

Here is what is being said about A&M’s 2014 recruiting class.

“In 2012, Texas A&M signed the 15th best recruiting class in the country. In 2013, it joined the SEC and rose to eighth in the rankings. And on Wednesday, it completed that climb by finishing fourth.

“There’s no doubt Texas A&M needs help on the defense. Defensive end Myles Garrett’s body is college-ready (6-5, 255 pounds) and he’s ripped to shreds. If he can pick up the defense and show he’s capable of holding up against the run, he could play soon.”

Alex Scarborough, ESPN.com

“The Aggies will make use of five-star wide receiver Speedy Noil, but Garrett, the top ranked player in the country according to some, could be a difference maker on a defense that needed help in 2013.”

Chip Patterson, CBS Sports

“It’s not a defensive note, but it was interesting to see an Oklahoma assistant touting A&M early enrollee Kyle Allen as the best quarterback prospect in the country.

ESPN.com editor Dane Beavers caught that one on OU’s website. That’s a healthy amount of respect from a pseudo-rival and perhaps a good sign for Allen’s chances to start as a freshman.”

Travis Haney, ESPN.com

“A&M did a great job getting Kyle Allen from Arizona and Speedy Noil from Louisiana, but it pales in comparison to what Alabama does. Now if the Aggies can reach the point where they sign 3-4 five-star recruits annually from outside the state, then A&M and Alabama can start playing college football’s Super Bowl. It’s a reach, but eventually someone has to rise up and rival Alabama.”

Robert Cessna, The Bryan-College Station Eagle

“Recruiting can be all about momentum. When it comes to landing the best prospects in the state of Texas for the 2014 class, Texas A&M and head coach Kevin Sumlin have all the momentum.

“At least compared to their in-state rival, Texas.”

Ben Kercheval, Bleacher Report

“On Wednesday, the Aggies took a huge step toward ensuring they field a product worthy of all their nice surroundings, one that can continue to be competitive in the SEC. At national signing day’s end, Texas A&M hauled in 22 prospects that comprised the nation’s fourth-ranked recruiting class, a sign of where the program is now.

“Since recruiting entered its Internet age, the Aggies have never inked a class ranked this high.”

Sam Khan Jr., ESPN.com

“How do you replace a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback? Sign the antion’s top quarterback prospect. Kyle Allen has all the tools to be the face of the program and will compete for the starting job from day one. Add in the nation’s No. 2-ranked player (Myles Garrett) and a five-star receiver (Speedy Noil) and the post-Johnny Football era in College Station looks incredibly bright.”

Sports Illustrated

“(Kyle) Allen was always considered one of the top quarterbacks in this class, but he’s moved all the way to the top of the class with solid end-of-season performances and a stellar showing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. And hey, the Aggies need someone to take over for Johnny Manziel. Who wants that job? There’s no way Kevin Sumlin’s next QB can be near the level of Manziel, right?

“Well, it’s a lot to ask, especially of a true freshman (Manziel at least had a season to redshirt). Matt Joeckel and Kenny Hill saw limited time, but do have a leg up on Allen. Allen enrolled early and will get spring practice to impress coaches. But you know that Sumlin won’t hesitate to play Allen if the freshman proves to be his best option.”

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